Northampton (CC 1) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 17 text:

MAY 1964 On May 3, NORTHAMPTON moored at the French Line piers of New York City for a four day visit to the bus- tling Worldis Fair City. The famous comedian, Jackie Glea- son, dedicated his May 6 television show to the men of NORTHAMPTON with an audience of some 300 of her men present. Captain Conrad was released from the hospital early in May and resumed command of NORTHAMPTON in New York City on May 5.

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APRIL 1964 The first ten days of April were spent operating independently in the Virginia Capes and fueling from U.S.S. CALOOSAHATCHEE CAO-985 on April 7. She rested at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Ports- mouth, Virginia from April 10 to April 29 for replacement of her tropospherio scatter communications system antenna. A newer, im-' proved model was installed. The Norfolk Sub-Board of Inspection and Survey conducted their inspection during this time. The INSURV board declared the ship ready to play her part in battle and assigned a grade of Outstanding -a feat accomplished by few ships in this modern-day Navy. On April 26 in the last days of the shipyard period, an event rare in the course of a ship's history occurred. The commanding officer, Captain Edward E. Conrad, USN, was stricken with an illness which required immediate attention and hospitalization. The ship, scheduled to leave the shipyard on April 29 for a visit to New York City was without her first in command. ln a real vote of confidence for NORTHAlVlPTON's capable teamwork and leadership, the Navy's higher authorities chose the ship's executive officer, Commander Levio E. Zeni, USN, to command her during the illness of Captain Conrad. As NORTHAMPTON departed the shipyard on April 29, she passed the Naval hospital and rendered traditional passing honors to the stricken skipper, and proceeded to sea on her regularly assigned duties.

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Another visit to Norfolk, May 9 to May 18, was followed by a trip north -a one day visit to Newport, Rhode Island on May 22 for an inspection by Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Force, US. Atlantic Fleet, and subsequently, a three day recreational visit to Boston, Massachusetts. Any visit to Boston is of significance to NOBTHAMPTON's history. She was built at Quincy, Massachusetts. Her sponsor resides in the city for which the ship was named, Northampton, Massachusetts-not far from Boston. On May 25, Mrs. Victoria E. Lampron, the ship's sponsor and the mayor of Northampton, Massachusetts with the city council, Visited the ship. Also visiting were 175 students, teachers and officials of the Clarke School for the Deaf who have enjoyed a warm relationship with the NORTHAMPTON crew for ten years.